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Leapin’ Lizards, a whole plane to themselves? You bet! Our special superstar geckos take flight May16th to return home to Pennsylvania following a “productive” three month stay at the world’s biggest and best children’s museum.
While it’s true that reptiles (excluding dragons) can’t fly, these geckos can! They will be leaving on a jet-plane….no doubt bragging about first class accommodations they enjoyed at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Geckos opened to the public on February 2, 2013. The exhibit featured 80 lizards representing 18 species of geckos. It wasn’t long however before a new generation of geckos caused a stir. The comfy, natural habitats created at the museum contributed to the addition of three baby crested geckos, and two baby lined day geckos.
The largest reptile in the exhibit, a New Caledonian, came to the museum without a moniker, but he leaves with an impressive one. “Digger” was voted most popular name during an online contest. It was submitted by 6-year-old aspiring scientist Malachi. The excited youngster won his first trip to the museum and met his new friend, Digger.
“Education is always at the core of our exhibit designs. As children and families enjoyed searching for camouflaged reptiles or watching geckos molt or regenerate their tails, they also learned about biology and natural history”, said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “We are sad to see the little guys go, but we are eager to welcome some new giant blue creatures as we explore the making of the highest grossing film of all time. AVATAR, The Exhibition opens June 22nd.”
***ATTENTION MEDIA ONLY*** invited to The Children’s Museum this Wednesday evening to see Digger and his reptile family and friends packed for their journey home… or see them take off Thursday morning from Eagle Creek Airport (around 8:30 a.m.). Clyde Peeling, owner of Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, who is also the pilot, will be available for interviews before departure. Please let us know if this is something that interests you as we will need to schedule it.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Facebook.com/childrensmuseum and YouTube.
